Radiant gets contract for new jet equipment

Radiant Power Corp. has been tapped to supply wireless, emergency lighting battery packs for a new business jet being developed by Cessna Aircraft.

Radiant will provide the power supplies for the eight-passenger, large-cabin Latitude jet, the local company announced Monday.

The Manatee County company, which has an existing relationship with Cessna, said it has developed circuitry to reduce the storage and field maintenance requirements for the aircraft operator.

Chuck Schofield, senior vice president for business development at Radiant, said he could not be specific on the contract's dollar amount or its effect on employment.

"But this agreement will definitely drive additional development efforts for the technical team here at Radiant," he said. "There will also be a positive impact on production as well, once the Latitude platform reaches production levels."

The award also furthers Radiant's business with Cessna for a number of years, Schofield added.

From its Manatee operation, Radiant designs and manufactures emergency power supplies, power distribution and controls, sensors and indicators and passenger-comfort products for aerospace and military customers.

The company is a subsidiary of Miami-based aerospace company Heico Corp.

This summer, the 64-employee Radiant said it would add 26 jobs over the next five years in Manatee as part of an expansion that included the acquisition of a Pennsylvania company announced in April.